He is listening

"You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised."  Psalm 119:65

Did someone forget to tell summer that it was about time to start packing up?  With the heat index of 101 today, I don't think summer got the memo.  Add in the humidity and it made for some very hot running weather. Halfway through my morning run, I stopped by the fountain in the park for a quick drink.  I pushed the button, running in place as I was waiting, and nothing came out.  Oh please Lord, let water flow from this fountain I prayed as I kept the button pushed down in hopeful expectation.  As the cool water finally spewed up, I was overcome with gratitude at how deeply personal the Lord is. He just gave me a drink!  Had it come up instantly, I would have missed an opportunity for God to show his great love for me.  Had I given up immediately, I would have missed the blessing entirely. I then wondered how many other times had I thrown in the towel just moments from encountering his grace.

In a world of fast food restaurants, express lanes, instagram photos and drive-through everything, we have become accustomed to having our needs met quickly - the sooner the better is the motto of many. But God doesn't work like that. Just as the farmer waits for his harvest to be ready, God knows when we will be ready. By patiently waiting for the right conditions for the seeds to grow, the farmer is rewarded with a bountiful harvest.  As we wait on the Lord, we too will have our rewards. " Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen." James 5:7

1 Peter 3:12 says that, "The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers."  There's two things then of which you can be certain, He loves you and He is listening.   

Heavenly Father, thank You for your perfect timing. I pray that we are patient and trusting as You work out the details of our lives.  Help us to follow you in the times we feel like giving up.  I pray that we remember that You will do what's best for us, not what we think is best. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

They that wait-Fred Hammond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wcdY2v5Kio

I believe

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"  1 Peter 3:15

Have you ever encountered people who will talk about everything in the world other than their faith? They will gladly tell you about the latest book they read, the newest restaurant in town or their favorite football team.  They may even give you a list of reasons why their team might win the Superbowl, or quote the last five years of their stats from memory.  Isn't it amazing what the human mind can remember?  What I find more amazing is that so many people have this idea that faith is a personal matter that should be kept to themselves.  While we certainly shouldn't be obnoxious or boisterous about our faith (that would certainly turn people away), we shouldn't keep it to ourselves either.

Before someone even wonders what we believe though, shouldn't they know by our actions? Without our ever having to say a word, shouldn't people see the love of Christ in us through the way we treat them and others?  Colossians 3:12 says, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,".  If others are seeing compassion, kindness, humility and patience practiced in our lives, they are seeing Christ whether they know it or not. We can be a witness without ever saying a word!  By being consistent in our behavior and attitude, eventually others will want to know the secret to the peace we have - and hopefully ask the question, why?  It's then that we should be ready to give an answer, gently and respectfully of why we believe in Jesus Christ - and thus share the story of Salvation.  

Can others see Christ in you without your ever having to say a word?  Are you prepared to give an answer when asked where your joy and peace come from?  Will you be willing to reply or do you believe that faith is a personal matter that should be kept to yourself?  Let me remind you that Matthew 10:33 says, "But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." It's pretty clear that our faith isn't a "personal" matter.    

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us second chances.  If we have missed an opportunity to show your love to someone through our actions, I pray today is the day we step out and do that.  May we always be ready to tell others the reason for our joy and peace - the true happiness that can only be found in you and is not dependent on circumstances.  You are the same yesterday, today and forever.   It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!
www.team413.org

I believe-Wes King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJJE-TWe-g8&list=RDtq84Gr4FU_0&index=10

By God's grace

"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain." 2 Corinthians 6:1

Grace is a wonderful thing.  Do you know that grace is mentioned 170 times in the bible?  I'd say that means it is important.  But do we really understand what God's grace is and how blessed we are to receive it?  “Grace” derives from the Greek, charis. In secular Greek, charis was related to chairo, “to rejoice.” As far back as Homer it denoted “sweetness” or “attractiveness.” It came to signify “favor,” “goodwill,” and “lovingkindness” — especially as granted by a superior to an inferior.  

There's certainly none more superior than God and none as inferior as you and me.  So the grace granted by Him to us is a glorious thing - one we should not take for granted.  When's the last time you thanked God for His grace in your life?  Have you even taken time to notice that grace was being granted to you? Grace is, quite simply, God's unmerited favor in our lives.  It's the reason we are where we are and the only reason we will inherit eternal life.  Its the reason for the good things we enjoy and the blessings we boast about.  It's by nothing we have done to earn it, but given out of  God's great love for us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, " For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast." Take the extra time today to appreciate what He has given you.  And then, today and everyday, take the time to thank Him.  

"I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am." -John Newton

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of grace.  I pray that we remember that it's only by your grace that we are saved and only by your grace that we have another day to serve you.  May we make the most of today and every day as a way of saying "thank you" for the blessing you have so freely given.  It's only in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Praise the Lord because in every moment Jesus Christ is Lord - The City Harmonic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm7V-26flkQ

The 5 step program to a better life

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good." Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Sometimes the difference between living a purposeful life and a purposeless life is simply knowing what's expected of you. You certainly couldn't be the employee of the month unless you knew what your job was and what the requirements were. And yet so many people don't know why they are here. They spend their lives wondering, "What does God expect of me? What's my purpose in life? Where can I find the answers?" Thankfully, all the answers to life's questions are found in the Manual. Oftentimes though, it's just a matter of knowing where to look.

Moses, while speaking to the Israelites, made it very clear what God expected from them. He expects the same from us, "fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees".

Wow, talk about a 5 easy step program to be the best you that you can be!  Here it is:

1. Fear God - "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7
2. Live in a way that pleases Him - "The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8
3. Love Him - "Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." Matthew 22:37
4. Serve Him with all your heart and soul - "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24
5. Observe His commands - "Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome." 1 John 5:3

Following Christ is just as easy as the 5 step plan.  There's no reason to make it complicated. The Manual is there to answer absolutely any question you may have, solve any problem you may encounter and guide you through any trial or test you may be going through.   The rest is up to you...

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the Manual to guide us through this life.  I pray that we will consult It before starting our day so we are focused on You and what you want for our lives before we let the world sidetrack us.  May we live to follow you, serve you and love you Lord.  Help us to follow the plan for our lives you have so graciously given us.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!
www.team413.org

Love the Lord your God-Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8mr839-TVs

The fellowship

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit

Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has

been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow

down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,

and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight

walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,

mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or

popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,

regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by

patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my

way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted,

or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the

presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the

pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of

mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed

up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a

disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop,

preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My

colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the

power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)

By Dr. Bob Moorehead

Sometimes we just need a reminder of what it means to be an "unashamed" follower of Jesus Christ. He never promised it would be easy, only that He would be with us.  No matter where we go or who surrounds us, may we always be ready to do the work He has called us to.  Adversity will come but press on and keep "running the race."  

Heavenly Father, thank You. Thank you for loving us so much that you sent your son to die on a cross for our sins. Thank you for loving us so much that you gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us, embolden us and comfort us.  May we be willing to share this truth and be unashamed of you in our words and actions. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy running!!
www.team413.org

I'm unashamed of you- Chris August

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kjqe52YkYe0

The dry spigot

"Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered."  Matthew 21:18-19

What a beautiful morning yesterday was to get in a run-a short one I should say.  Unfortunately, with marathon day quickly approaching, my longest run could be put off no longer.  With the heat index of 100 and high humidity predicted for yesterday and the next 7 more, it seemed like a good a day as any.   How gracious God was to keep the temperatures below 80 until the last 90 minutes of my run.   As the day grew hotter, so did the water in my handheld bottle.  It was getting so warm as to be almost nauseating.   That's when I saw it.... the most beautiful sight a thirsty runner could ever see besides a fully stocked aid station....  a water spigot in the middle of the park.  Anticipating the cool water that was going to flow out of it the second I turned the handle, I poured out the remaining hot water I had.  And boy was I ready!  I turned the spigot and nothing!   

How utterly disappointing.  I really thought water was going to come out.  It looked like a spigot.  It was certainly in the right place at the right time to appear as if it would produce water.  But it was dry. So many Christians are like that water spigot-content to look and act like a Christian but not willing to do anything to produce flowing water or spiritual fruit.  Jesus compared unfruitful "Christians" to the fig tree in Matthew 21.   The tree looked like it was producing fruit from a distance but, upon closer inspection, only produced leaves.  He cursed the fig tree "And at once the fig tree withered". 

 Matthew 7:16 says, "You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act."  and John 2:26 says,  "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."  No matter how much we try to look like followers of Christ, if we aren't truly faithful followers, we will never produce any fruit.  Like the spigot, it won't take long for others to realize that we are a dried up well.   Are you in need of refreshing today?  Do you find yourself producing more leaves than fruit?  Maybe it's time to reconnect with God and renew your faith.  John 4:14 tells us how, "But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us second chances.  I pray that if any of us are not producing fruit, that we pray to you for forgiveness and guidance.  May we all be springs of refreshing to others that they might want to come to know you.  Give us an unquenchable thirst for your Word that we may learn to follow you with our whole hearts and be Christians that show our faith in the way we look, act and serve.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

Come to the river-Rhett Walker Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLj2tZCs6Ms

Love your shoes

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"  1 Peter 3:15

Compliment a runner on his/her shoes and you will most likely hear the story of why or why not they are awesome.  You might even hear about how wearing them was the cause for their latest PR or cured them of shin splints. Seriously, runners love their shoes.  If they're road worthy, we are always ready to recommend them to a stranger.   And yet they won't last or really do anything more than help us run a race.  I've listened to so many runners give credit to, and recommend with passion, some material thing (like shoes, gels, supplements) for a great finishing time. But respectfully suggest to them that Jesus is the real reason and the conversation gets quiet.  It seems people are so willing to acknowledge something other than Christ as the reason behind their success. Why are we so afraid to share Him?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."  Honoring God with your body means much more than just giving Him praise at church or in the privacy of your own home. It means publicly acknowledging Him for what He has done for you.   It means talking about the things that really matter.  Yes, it means talking about Jesus.

Get this.... 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."  Wow!  He leads us in triumph so we can spread the knowledge of Him in every place.   God gives us the victory so we can give Him the credit.   I'll take that trade.   Talking about shoes is a great way to start the conversation but remember who is truly responsible for your success and I promise you it's not Nike!  Now that's something to talk about.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the ability to serve you.  You have given us all different gifts but the same reason for having them, to glorify you, bring praise to you, and bring others to you.  May we never be reluctant to share the true reason for every good thing in our lives.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Just between you and me, I've got something to say - DC Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kXJdshVNq0